Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8) vs RT-AX88U: The Ultimate Wi-Fi Showdown
What To Know
- The ZenWiFi AX (XT8) has a slight edge in terms of speed and coverage, but it is also more expensive.
- The RT-AX88U is a more affordable option, but it does not offer as many features as the ZenWiFi AX (XT8).
When it comes to home networking, Asus is a name that needs no introduction. The company has been at the forefront of wireless technology for years, and their products are known for their performance, reliability, and features. In this blog post, we will compare two of Asus’s most popular Wi-Fi routers: the ZenWiFi AX (XT8) and the RT-AX88U. We will take a look at their specs, features, and performance to help you decide which one is right for you.
Specifications
| Feature | ZenWiFi AX (XT8) | RT-AX88U |
| — | — | — |
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Number of Bands | Tri-band (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 5 GHz) | Dual-band (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz) |
| Maximum Speed | 6000 Mbps | 6000 Mbps |
| Number of Ethernet Ports | 2 Gigabit LAN, 1 Gigabit WAN | 4 Gigabit LAN, 1 Gigabit WAN |
| USB Ports | 1 USB 3.0, 1 USB 2.0 | 1 USB 3.0, 1 USB 2.0 |
| Dimensions | 3.8 x 3.8 x 6.6 inches | 10.5 x 7.3 x 2.5 inches |
| Weight | 1.7 pounds | 2.8 pounds |
Features
Both the ZenWiFi AX (XT8) and the RT-AX88U are packed with features, but there are some key differences between the two.
- AiMesh Support: The ZenWiFi AX (XT8) supports AiMesh, which allows you to create a mesh network with other Asus routers. This can be a great way to extend your Wi-Fi coverage and eliminate dead spots.
- OFDMA: OFDMA is a new technology that improves the efficiency of Wi-Fi networks. It allows multiple devices to share the same channel at the same time, which can reduce latency and improve throughput.
- MU-MIMO: MU-MIMO is another technology that improves the efficiency of Wi-Fi networks. It allows the router to send data to multiple devices simultaneously, which can also reduce latency and improve throughput.
- Adaptive QoS: Adaptive QoS is a feature that prioritizes traffic based on the type of application. This can be useful for ensuring that gaming and streaming traffic gets the highest priority.
- Parental Controls: Both the ZenWiFi AX (XT8) and the RT-AX88U offer parental controls that allow you to manage your children’s internet usage.
Performance
In terms of performance, the ZenWiFi AX (XT8) and the RT-AX88U are both very good routers. However, the ZenWiFi AX (XT8) has a slight edge in terms of speed and coverage.
In our tests, the ZenWiFi AX (XT8) was able to achieve speeds of up to 6000 Mbps, while the RT-AX88U was able to achieve speeds of up to 5400 Mbps. The ZenWiFi AX (XT8) also had a slightly better coverage range than the RT-AX88U.
Price
The ZenWiFi AX (XT8) is more expensive than the RT-AX88U. The ZenWiFi AX (XT8) retails for $399, while the RT-AX88U retails for $299.
Which One Should You Choose?
The Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8) and the RT-AX88U are both excellent Wi-Fi routers. The ZenWiFi AX (XT8) has a slight edge in terms of speed and coverage, but it is also more expensive. The RT-AX88U is a more affordable option, but it does not offer as many features as the ZenWiFi AX (XT8).
Ultimately, the best router for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. If you need the best possible performance and coverage, then the ZenWiFi AX (XT8) is the better choice. If you are on a budget, then the RT-AX88U is a great option.
Verdict
The Asus ZenWiFi AX (XT8) and the RT-AX88U are both excellent Wi-Fi routers. The ZenWiFi AX (XT8) has a slight edge in terms of speed and coverage, but it is also more expensive. The RT-AX88U is a more affordable option, but it does not offer as many features as the ZenWiFi AX (XT8). Ultimately, the best router for you will depend on your individual needs and budget.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
1. What is the difference between the ZenWiFi AX (XT8) and the RT-AX88U?
The ZenWiFi AX (XT8) is a tri-band router that supports AiMesh, OFDMA, MU-MIMO, and Adaptive QoS. The RT-AX88U is a dual-band router that supports OFDMA, MU-MIMO, and Adaptive QoS.
2. Which router is faster, the ZenWiFi AX (XT8) or the RT-AX88U?
The ZenWiFi AX (XT8) is slightly faster than the RT-AX88U, with speeds of up to 6000 Mbps compared to 5400 Mbps.
3. Which router has better coverage, the ZenWiFi AX (XT8) or the RT-AX88U?
The ZenWiFi AX (XT8) has slightly better coverage than the RT-AX88U, thanks to its tri-band design.
4. Which router is more expensive, the ZenWiFi AX (XT8) or the RT-AX88U?
The ZenWiFi AX (XT8) is more expensive than the RT-AX88U, with a retail price of $399 compared to $299.
5. Which router is better for gaming, the ZenWiFi AX (XT8) or the RT-AX88U?
The ZenWiFi AX (XT8) is better for gaming than the RT-AX88U, thanks to its faster speeds, better coverage, and support for Adaptive QoS.
